Adjustable weapon auxiliary mount

ABSTRACT

An adjustable weapon auxiliary mount for mounting devices of different diameters, one at a time, to a rail of a weapon. The adjustable weapon auxiliary mount is provided with a base, a device clamp and a rail clamp. The base has a first end, an opposed second end, and a clamping surface formed therebetween. The device clamp is mounted to the base. The device clamp is provided with a clamping member having a clamping surface facing the clamping surface of the base and spatially disposed therefrom so as to define a receiving space for receiving one device and securely gripping the device. The clamping surfaces of the clamping member and the base are configured to securely grip, one at a time, devices having varying diameters within a predetermined range. The device clamp is also provided with a clamping assembly for connecting the clamping member of the device clamp to the base so as to permit adjustment of the receiving space within a predetermined range and thereby permit the devices having varying diameters within the predetermined range to be securely mounted within the receiving space. The rail clamp connects the base to the rail of the weapon.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.10/407,619, filed Apr. 4, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.10/122,273, now abandoned; which is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser.No. 09/882,791, filed on Jun. 14, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,561;which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/434,214, filed on Nov. 4, 1999,now abandoned; which claims priority to the provisional patentapplication identified by U.S. Ser. No. 60/107,766, which was filed onNov. 9, 1998. Each of the above-referenced patent applications isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Devices for mounting sighting equipment, such as scopes or lasersighting equipment are known in the art. These devices are designed tomount a certain configuration and/or size of sighting equipment. Forexample, prior art devices for mounting scopes having a cylindricallyshaped outer peripheral surface are provided with a clamping devicehaving an interior surface which is shaped so as to mate with thecylindrically shaped outer peripheral surface of the scope. Thisnecessitates the prior art device being designed to only securely mounta scope having a predetermined size, such as a one inch diameter. Theprior art devices can not securely mount sighting equipment havingdifferent sizes, one at a time, onto a weapon.

[0004] Weapons having a rail for receiving a scope mount thereon areknown in the art. The rail has been provided with a plurality of spacedapart, parallel recesses formed therein so that a recoil pin provided onthe scope mount can be disposed in one of the recesses to help preventmovement of the scope mount when the weapon is being fired.

[0005] However, to applicants knowledge, an adjustable weapon auxiliarymount which is capable of securely mounting differently sized devices tothe weapon, one at a time, is not available. It is to such an improvedadjustable weapon auxiliary mount that the present invention isdirected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to an adjustable weapon auxiliarymount for mounting devices of different diameters, one at a time, to arail of a weapon. The adjustable weapon auxiliary mount is provided witha base, a device clamp and a rail clamp.

[0007] The base has a first end, an opposed second end, and a clampingsurface formed therebetween.

[0008] The device clamp is mounted to the base. The device clamp isprovided with a clamping member having a clamping surface facing theclamping surface of the base and spatially disposed therefrom so as todefine a receiving space for receiving one device and securely grippingthe device. The clamping surfaces of the clamping member and the baseare configured to securely grip, one at a time, devices having varyingdiameters within a predetermined range. The device clamp is alsoprovided with a clamping assembly for connecting the clamping member ofthe device clamp to the base so as to permit adjustment of the receivingspace within a predetermined range and thereby permit the devices havingvarying diameters within the predetermined range to be securely mountedwithin the receiving space.

[0009] The rail clamp connects the base to the rail of the weapon.

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an adjustableweapon auxiliary mount that mounts onto the rails of certain militaryand commercial weapons and into which the user may insert a device, suchas a flashlight, for example. The adjustable weapon auxiliary mount isdesigned so that the beam of the flashlight, for example, will alignwith the barrel of the weapon so that the user can see where he/she isaiming the weapon. Or, the user may mount a device such as a scope forprecise fire at longer ranges, such as a sniper might employ. Theadjustable weapon auxiliary mount is designed so that when it isinstalled it does not interfere with the sighting or operating of theweapon. Nor does it interfere with other attached accessories.

[0011] In another aspect, the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount can beattached and removed from the weapon without the need for tools. Allparts of the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount are captive on theadjustable weapon auxiliary mount. The adjustable weapon auxiliary mountis made so that it can accept any flashlight with a circular barrelwhose diameter is within the range of the specific design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0012]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a adjustable weapon auxiliary mountconstructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a front elevational, partial fragmental view of theadjustable weapon auxiliary mount depicted in FIG. 1 wherein aflashlight is mounted by the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount onto arail of a weapon and certain parts of the adjustable weapon auxiliarymount are broken away to show three knurled finger nuts.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a front elevational, partial fragmental view of a secondembodiment of an adjustable weapon auxiliary mount.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a front elevational, partial fragmental view of a thirdembodiment of an adjustable weapon auxiliary mount constructed inaccordance with the presente invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 and2, shown therein and designated by the general reference 10 is anadjustable weapon auxiliary mount for mounting a variety of devices 12of different diameters, one at a time, to a rail 14 of a weapon (notshown). The device 12 can be a flashlight, laser, scope, or otherauxiliary device. In general, the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 10includes a base 16, a device clamp 18, and a rail clamp 20.

[0017] The base 16 has a first end 24, an opposed second end 26, and aclamping surface 28 formed there between. The clamping surface 28 of thebase 16 is engageable with the device 12 and includes a first planarportion 30, and a second planar portion 32 with the first planar portion30 of the base 16 and the second planar portion 32 of the base 16 aredisposed at an angle relative to a clamp axis 34. The first planarportion 30 of the base 16 extends in a direction 36 towards the secondplanar portion 32 of the base 16. The second planar portion 32 of thebase 16 extends in a direction 38 toward the first planar portion 30 ofthe base 16. The first and second planar portions 30 and 32 areengageable with the device 12.

[0018] The device clamp 18 of the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 10is mounted to the base 16. The device clamp 18 is provided with aclamping member 42 and a clamping assembly 44. The clamping member 42has a clamping surface 46 facing the clamping surface 28 of the base 16.The clamping surface 46 of the clamping member 42 is spatially disposedfrom the clamping surface 28 of the base 16 so as to define a receivingspace 48 for receiving the device 12 and securely gripping the device12. The clamping surfaces 28 and 46 of the base 16 and the clampingmember 42 are configured to engage and grip, one at a time, devices 12having varying diameters within a predetermined range. For example, inone embodiment, the receiving space 48 can accept devices 12, such asflashlights having a circular barrel, with outer diameters from 0.689″to slightly greater than 0.768″. The clamping surfaces 28 and 46 can besymmetrically constructed so as to automatically center the device 12 inthe receiving space 48. As shown in FIG. 2, the clamping surfaces 28 and46 can each have a generally trapezoidal shape. In addition, theclamping surfaces 28 and 46 can each have a generally triangular shape.

[0019] The clamping surface 46 of the clamping member 42 includes afirst planar portion 50, and a second planar portion 52 with the firstplanar portion 50 of the clamping member 42 and the second planarportion 52 of the clamping member 42 being disposed at an angle relativeto the clamp axis 34. The first planar portion 50 of the clamping member42 extends in a direction 54 toward the second planar portion 52 of theclamping member 42. The second planar portion 52 of the clamping member42 extends in a direction 56 toward the first planar portion 50 of theclamping member 42. The first planar portion 50 and the second planarportion 52 are engageable with the device 12.

[0020] The clamping assembly 44 of the device clamp 18 connects theclamping member 42 of the device clamp 18 to the base 16 so as to permitadjustment of the receiving space 48 within a predetermined range andthereby permit the devices 12 having varying diameters within thepredetermined range to be securely mounted within the receiving space48. The clamping assembly 44 is provided with a first captive screw 60and a second captive screw 62. The first and second captive screws 60and 62 are positioned on opposite sides of the receiving space 48. Thefirst and second captive screws 60 and 62 extend through the clampingmember 42 and into the base 16 with a portion of the first and secondcaptive screws 60 and 62 extending outwardly from the clamping member42. The first and second captive screws 60 and 62 can be secured in thebase 16 either chemically with a product such as Locktite, or machinethreaded so that the first and second captive screws 60 and 62 will beforced into the base 16 and not easily loosened.

[0021] The clamping assembly 44 is preferably operated or adjustedwithout any tools. The clamping assembly 44 is further provided with afirst knurled finger nut 64, and a second knurled finger nut 66. Thefirst knurled finger nut 64 is mounted to the portion of the firstcaptive screw 60 extending outwardly from the clamping member 42. Thesecond knurled finger nut 66 is mounted to the portion of the secondcaptive screw 62 extending outwardly from the clamping member 42. Theclamping assembly 44 can also be provided with a pair of lock washers 67and 68 positioned between the first and second knurled finger nuts 64and 66 and the clamping member 42. The lock washers 67 and 68 can beconstructed of a metallic or non-metallic compressible material, such assilicone.

[0022] The rail clamp 20 of the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 10connects the base 16 to the rail 14 of the weapon. The rail 14 has afirst side 70, and a second side 72. The rail clamp 20 includes a fixedclamp arm 74 and a movable clamp arm 76. The fixed clamp arm 74 isengageable with the first side 70 of the rail 14, and the movable clamparm 76 is engageable with the second side 72 of the rail 14 so as toclamp the rail 14 between the fixed clamp arm 74 and the movable clamparm 76.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the fixed clamp arm 74 can be formedintegrally on the second end 26 of the base 16. The movable clamp arm 76is movable in a first direction 78 generally away from the fixed clamparm 74, and in a second direction 80 generally toward the fixed clamparm 74. The rail clamp 20 is also provided with a captive screw 82,which is secured to the base 16, generally near the second end 26thereof. The captive screw 82 can be secured to the base 16 eitherchemically with a product such as Locktite, or machine threaded so thatthe captive screw 82 will be forced into the base 16 and not easilyloosened. The captive screw 82 extends through an opening 84 formedthrough the movable clamp arm 76 such that a portion of the captivescrew 82 extends outwardly from the movable clamp arm 76. The rail clamp20 is further provided with a knurled nut 86 which is disposed on theportion of the captive screw 82 which extends outwardly from the movableclamp arm 76. The knurled nut 86 can be rotated so as to move themovable clamp arm 76 in the first and second directions 78 and 80. Alock washer 88 can be positioned in between the knurled nut 86 and themovable clamp arm 76 so as to prevent inadvertent movement of theknurled nut 86 once the rail clamp 20 is secured on the rail 14. Arecoil pin 90 is attached to the base 16 and extends down so that it canengage a recess 92 in the weapon rail. The recoil pin 90 can have adiameter of {fraction (3/16)}″. The rail 14 can be a commerciallyavailable picketed rail.

[0024] The first captive screw 60, the second captive screw 62, thecaptive screw 82, the first knurled finger nut 64, the second knurledfinger nut 66, the knurled nut 86 can be constructed of either aluminumor stainless steel. The lock washer 88 can be constructed of a metallicor a non-metallic compressible material, such as silicone. The base 16,clamping member 42 and the movable clamp arm 76 can be made of metal orplastic. The stability of the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 10 mustbe such that it can withstand the forces of the recoil when the weaponis fired and continue to hold the device 12 securely. In militaryapplications, when automatic rifles or machine guns are employed, theadjustable weapon auxiliary mount 10 stability must endure when up to500-1000 rounds are fired in bursts of up to 20 rounds.

[0025] To install the device 12 on the rail 14, the user first loosensthe first knurled finger nut 64, the second knurled finger nut 66 andthe knurled finger nut 86 by turning them counter clockwise. Then, theuser fits the recoil pin 90 into the recess 92 on the rail 14 andtightens knurled finger nut 86. This secures the rail clamp 20 to therail 14. Next, the user inserts the device 12, such as a flashlight,into the receiving space 48 and secures the device 12 between theclamping member 42 and the base 16 by tightening the first and secondknurled finger nuts 64 and 66. Devices 12, such as flashlights, scopesor other devices, can be inserted and removed from the adjustable weaponauxiliary mount 10 without removing the adjustable weapon auxiliarymount 10 from the rail 14 of the weapon and without using any tools.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown therein and designated by areference numeral 100, is a second embodiment of an adjustable weaponauxiliary mount, constructed in accordance with the present invention,into which a user may insert one or more devices, such as a flashlight,for example. The adjustable weapon auxiliary mount is provided with abase 105, a first and second device clamp 18 a and 18 b, and a railclamp 110. The adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 100 is similar inconstruction and function as the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 18hereinbefore described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, exceptas discussed hereinafter.

[0027] The base 105 is constructed identically to that of the base 16 ofthe adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 10 except that the base 105 has afirst side 120 and an opposed second side 125. Each side 120 and 125 ofthe base 105 has a first end 130 a and 130 b, an opposed second end 135a and 135 b, and a clamping surface 140 a and 140 b formed therebetween. Each clamping surface 140 a and 140 b of the base 105 isconstructed identically to that of the clamping surface 28 of theadjustable weapon auxiliary mount 10 as hereinbefore described in detailwith reference to FIG. 2. No further description of the clamping surface140 a and 140 b is believed to be necessary to enable one of ordinaryskill in the art to construct the clamping surfaces 140 a and 140 b ofthe embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0028] The first device clamp 18 a of the adjustable weapon auxiliarymount 100 is mounted to the first side 120 of the base 105 and thesecond device clamp 18 b is mounted to the opposed second side 125 ofthe base 105. The first device clamp 18 a and the second device clamp 18b are similar in construction and function as the device clamp 18 of theadjustable weapon auxiliary mount 10 hereinbefore described in detailwith reference to FIG. 2, except that the clamping assembly 145 of theadjustable weapon auxiliary mount 105 is provided with screws 150 a, 150b, 150 c, and 150 d capable of receiving an accessory, such as ascrewdriver. Device clamps 18 a and 18 b can be sized to receive devices12 a and 12 b having different ranges of diameters. The diameters aredesignated in FIG. 3 by arrows 151 a, 151 b, 151 c, and 151 d. Nofurther description is deemed necessary to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to construct the device clamps 18 a and 18 b.

[0029] The rail clamp 155 of the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 100connects the base 105 to the rail 160 of the weapon. The rail 160 has afirst side 165 and a second side 170. The rail clamp 155 is similar inconstruction and function as the rail clamp 20 of the adjustable weaponauxiliary mount 10 hereinbefore described in detail with reference toFIG. 2.

[0030] Turning now to FIG. 4, shown therein and designated by areference numeral 200, is a third embodiment of an adjustable weaponauxiliary mount, constructed in accordance with the present invention,for mounting a variety of devices 205 of different diameters, one ormore than at a time, to a rail 210 of a weapon (not shown). Theadjustable weapon auxiliary mount 200 includes a base 215, a firstdevice clamp 18 c, a second device clamp 18 d, and a rail clamp 155. Theadjustable weapon auxiliary mount 200 is identical in construction andfunction to the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 100 hereinbeforedescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 3, except as discussedhereinafter.

[0031] The adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 200 differs only inconstruction of the base 215 and the location of the first device clamp18 c and the second device clamp 18 d. The base 215 of the adjustableweapon auxiliary mount 200 extends horizontally across and perpendicularto the rail 232 of the weapon rather than vertically as shown in FIG. 3.The base 215 has a first side 226 and an opposed second side 227, afirst end 230 a and 230 b and an opposed second end 235 a and 235 b anda first side 236 and a second side 237. The first end 230 a and theopposed second end 235 a have a clamping surface 240 a formed therebetween. The first end 230 b and the opposed second end 235 b have aclamping service 240 b formed there between. Each clamping surface 240 aand 240 b of the base 215 is constructed identically to that of theclamping surface 28 of the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 10 ashereinbefore described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0032] Each device clamp 18 c and 18 d is constructed identically to thedevice clamps 18 a and 18 b of the adjustable weapon auxiliary mount 100as hereinbefore described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 except thatboth device clamp 18 c and device clamp 18 d are located on the sameside 226 of the base 215. Device clamps 18 c and 18 d can be sized toreceive devices 12 c and 12 d having different ranges of diameters. Thesecond device clamp 18 d can be sized to receive devices 12 d havingouter diameters in a range from about 0.689″ to 1.1250″. The diametersare designated in FIG. 4 by arrows 241 a, 241 b, and 241 c. Device clamp18 c extends out from the first side 236 of the base 215. Device clamp18 d extends out from the second side of the base 215. No furtherdescription is deemed necessary to enable one of ordinary skill in theart to construct the device clamps 18 a and 18 b.

[0033] Changes may be made in the combinations, operations, andarrangements of the various parts and elements described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined inthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable weapon auxiliary mount formounting, more than one at a time, to a rail of a weapon, the adjustableweapon auxiliary mount comprising: a base having a first end, an opposedsecond end, a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface; afirst device clamp mounted to the base, the first device clampcomprising: a clamping member having a clamping surface facing the firstclamping surface of the base and spatially disposed therefrom so as todefine a receiving space for receiving one device and securely grippingthe device, the clamping surface of the clamping member and the firstclamping surface of the base configured to securely grip, one at a time,devices having varying diameters within a predetermined range; andclamping means for connecting the clamping member of the first deviceclamp to the base so as to permit adjustment of the receiving spacewithin a predetermined range and thereby permit devices having varyingdiameters within the predetermined range to be securely mounted withinthe receiving space; a second device clamp mounted to the base, thesecond device clamp comprising: a clamping member having a clampingsurface facing the second clamping surface of the base and spatiallydisposed therefrom so as to define a receiving space for receiving onedevice and securely gripping the device, the clamping surface of theclamping member of the second device clamp and the second clampingsurface of the base configured to securely grip the device; and aclamping means for connecting the clamping member of the second deviceclamp to the base so as to permit adjustment of the receiving space andthereby permit the device to be securely mounted within the receivingspace; and a rail clamp for clamping the base to the rail of the weapon.